Margaret McMillan: Portrait of a Pioneer

Margaret McMillan was a pioneer of nursery education in inner-city areas who initiated social reforms and fought for a more just and compassionate society. This well-documented biography provides fascinating glimpses of her remarkable pilgrimage and its results.

Format: Hardback
Length: 278 pages
Publication date: 21 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

A trailblazer in nursery education in inner-city areas, Margaret McMillan left an indelible mark on British educational history. While her numerous social reforms are widely recognized, her personal life remains relatively less known. Originally published in 1989, Dr. Bradburn's book delves into the captivating story of a cultured woman who found a new purpose.

Born in America in 1860 into a middle-class family, Margaret McMillan spent the majority of her life in Britain dedicated to improving the lives of the underprivileged and needy. Her outrage at the living and working conditions of laborers in Victorian England fueled her passion for creating a more just and compassionate society. She collaborated closely with Keir Hardie, a founding member of the Independent Labour Party, and tirelessly worked from the 1890s toward the betterment and advancement of humanity. J. B. Priestley, who knew Margaret McMillan during her time as a member of the Bradford School Board, aptly described her as "one of those terrible nuisances who get things done and do more good than a load of bishops."

In the context of ongoing discussions about urban renewal and the need for improved nursery education, a review of Margaret McMillan's innovative work is particularly relevant. This well-documented biography offers insightful glimpses into a remarkable journey whose impact remains undiminished by the passage of time.

Weight: 680g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032349893